Chapter 258: Privacy Issues, Staying Together

(Thanks to reader [Xiao Qi╮] brother, for adding a Grandmaster to Mixed!)

Li Yan leaned over in front of her, kissed her forehead, and then whispered in her ear: "I’m very surprised, but I’m also very happy. Over the past year, we’ve had quite a rocky journey. I just said that I wasn’t as excited as expected, mainly because I’ve calmed down. After all this time together, I believe this was inevitable. And, you’re right, my moving in with you isn’t just about the benefits of that sort. It might bring more disruptions.

We’ve adapted to this lifestyle over the past year. You have your habits, and I have my privacy. Although we’re under the same roof, we still have our separate lives. But once we live in the same room, many things will be exposed to each other’s view. For example, I might discover that even beautiful women pick their noses..."

"Stop being disgusting." Yurong feigned anger. Strictly speaking, picking one’s nose is a personal hygiene issue. Anyone normal would do it, and it’s not something you usually get someone else to do for you. But she would never do it in front of him, let alone let him see it.

Li Yan chuckled, lay down next to her, and together they stared at the ceiling. He sighed and asked, "Are you really sure? We got married before we fell in love and started living together before really getting to know each other. Normally, couples fall in love first, and after reaching a certain stage through a series of intimate actions like holding hands, hugging, kissing, they consider moving in together. By that time, they generally know each other well enough to accept each other’s strengths and flaws, so that living together becomes harmonious, leading to marriage."

Yurong, perceptive and understanding, quickly caught his concern and softly replied, "You think that since we’ve taken so long to adapt even while living separately, we might, despite feeling somewhat... close now, risk ruining our current affection by sharing a room and thus exposing more of our flaws due to our living habits?"

Li Yan silently agreed. His privacy was a major issue. For example, his contact with Yue Yao; previously he could communicate with her in his room using a computer or phone, or find an excuse to go to her room. If he shared a room with Yurong, the chances of being exposed would increase significantly. If she ever found out her husband and her most trusted and close friend were keeping so many things from her, the shock might be even greater than learning about Yu Xiaodi!

"If you ask me..." Yurong pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Aren’t we the opposite? Before holding hands or hugging, we’ve spent months communicating, understanding, digesting, and accepting each other’s strengths and weaknesses. With the usual couples you mentioned, many might only realize the flaws after moving in together because they kept a distance before. We’ve already passed that stage. I doubt it could destroy us. Of course, I believe fully integrating with another person’s habits takes time. Are you... lacking in confidence?"

Before Li Yan could respond, she lightly raised an eyebrow and asked, "Or is it that... you’re only now willing to completely live together?"

Li Yan felt slightly embarrassed and gave a wry smile: "That’s not it. To be honest... I really lack confidence. You know your past; although I wasn’t part of it or fully understand it, I know it generally. But my past is something you’re entirely in the dark about. Even though we’ve been married for a year, I’ve still kept many things from you. Once we’re together, my past, the side of me unknown to others, and everything I’ve hidden from you will slowly become known to you. In that case, I really don’t know how you’ll see me, or if you’ll leave me."

Yurong turned her head to look at him, lying on her side, and gave him a reassuring smile, "Did you forget? You’ve already tried to tell me about your past before. That shows that no matter what, you’ll gradually reveal your whole self to me. And I’ve said before, no matter how your past was, that’s the past. I’m concerned about your present and future."

Li Yan tentatively asked, "If I had a huge secret, something hard for you to accept, and I’ve been hiding it from you, knowing it, would you still not leave me?"

"I wouldn’t!" Yurong replied without hesitation. She sighed internally: Even knowing you’ve been involved with two women, I haven’t left you. For a woman, what could be harder to accept than that? 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Women are emotional creatures. No matter how rational they are, they still have an emotional side deep down.

Seeing her answer so firmly, Li Yan was almost tempted to reveal his true relationship with Yue Yao!

In the end, he held back, treating it like a precautionary measure. Delivering a precaution too harshly can also have side effects.

"So, shall we... truly start living together tonight? I can move over quickly."

Hearing him say that, Yurong felt assured. She then felt a bit shy and softly said, "If we do this, Yue Yao will surely find out soon, so..."

Li Yan sighed, "With Yue Yao’s personality, she would only be happy for us and wish us well!"

Yurong nodded but was lost in thought.

She’s known Yue Yao for less than half a year. Initially, they met because an online friend, who had unexpectedly come into her life, seemed easy to talk to, yet a bit pitiful. So, she invited her over to lift her spirits, albeit with normal caution. After meeting in person, she found Yue Yao to be an elegant and lovable girl with no trace of trickery; this real-life impression was good, which was why she invited her to stay at her home. The interactions after meeting, with Yue Yao deliberately catering to her for the chance to protect her closely, quickly turned from a newly met online friend to a soulmate.